1 of 13

Write now Article Tools

Many people enjoy growing and drying herbs to preserve them for future use in cooking or craft projects. Whether you are drying herbs to cook with, or drying them to use in crafting, it is important that they are dried correctly so that they do not spoil or become depleted of their natural oils and flavor.

There are three basic drying methods available to preserve herbs. Air drying, oven drying and using a dehydrator are the most popular drying methods used. While some people will recommend a fourth drying option, microwave drying, this method is not very effective and should be avoided at all costs.

When deciding on what drying method you want to use to dry your herbs, it is important to first look at what herbs you will be drying. Some herbs dry better using one method than others will. Herbs that have a low moisture content such as Bay, Oregano, Rosemary, Thyme and Marjoram will do best using the air drying method. Herbs that have a high moisture content such as Mint, Tarragon, Basil and Chives will do better being dried in a dehydrator or in the oven.

Air Drying Herbs

Air drying herbs is the preferred drying method by herbs. When you air dry herbs, your herbs retain almost of all their nutritional value and natural oils. This is of course beneficial whether you use your dried herbs for crafting or cooking. Air drying herbs is also the easiest and most cost effective method for drying herbs, as there is no worry of cooking your herbs rather than drying them, and there are no costly materials (ie. dehydrator, electricity, etc.) necessary.

Tips for Air Drying Herbs

After rinsing and cleaning herbs, make sure they are thoroughly dry before starting the preserving process. Wet herbs can mildew and rot.

Whether you use rubber bands or strings to tie your bundles of herbs together, once your herbs start to dry, check them often. The drying process can will shrink the herbs as they dry, which can cause the herbs to slip from the rubber band or string.

If you are air drying plants that have a high water content, make your bundles smaller in size.

Hang your drying herbs in a room that remains the same relative temperature. You should also make sure your herbs are placed in a room that has low humidity. Drying herbs in a room with high humidity (such as the bathroom) can lengthen drying time and/or cause the herbs to rot.

Dehydrator Drying

A food dehydrator uses warm air to reduce the water content in foods. The warm air pulls the water content from the food, drying it and preserving

• 1
• 2
• next page >>

Add your voice

Know something about Tips for drying herbs?
We want to hear your view. Write now!